Running for a Cause

About a year ago I realized something was missing in my life: community service work. However, I wanted to get involved with something I was passionate about and truly believed in, not just help out at a soup kitchen once in awhile. Enter Girls on the Run. I read about this national organization that combines training for a 5K with confidence and self-esteem boosting lessons for 8 – 12 year old girls through a mention on a health blog. Fitness and female empowerment? Right up my alley.

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I emailed the president of the NYC council, and the rest is history. I am now proud to volunteer on a regular basis with an amazing group of women working to give young girls the tools they need to feel confident and happy. In fact, I interviewed Molly Barker, the founder of Girls on the Run for last Friday's radio show. Listen here. Barker, who was actually named a WD Woman of the Year in 2006 came up with the idea during a run, started GOTR in 1996, and now it has locations in almost all states in the continental U.S.

Bonus: Volunteering is not only a great way to help out others, but also good for your health. Studies show that lending a hand—no matter how small or large your commitment is—can boost mood and ease stress.